New 2013 Special Edition Acura TL Special Edition is coming soon to Acura Columbus.

New 2013 Acura TL Special Edition Debuts with Key Feature Upgrades

Slotted between the TL and TL with Technology Package, the TL Special Edition offers popular added features at a tremendous value

The new 2013 Acura TL Special Edition is now on sale with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $37,405. Joining the TL line as a mid-2013 model, the TL Special Edition offers a step up from the standard TL, with the addition of highly desirable feature upgrades, creating an incredible value in the luxury four-door sedan segment.

The front-wheel-drive TL Special Edition features distinctive 10-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels, a color-matched deck lid spoiler and trunk-mounted Special Edition badging. Standard keyless access with pushbutton start adds convenience and ease of use. The TL Special Edition is available in four exterior colors: Bellanova White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Graphite Luster Metallic and Silver Moon Metallic. All exterior colors are matched with a leather-appointed Ebony interior with contrast stitching.

KEYLESS ACCESS SYSTEM

The TL Special Edition’s standard Keyless Access System lets the driver enter and drive the car without having to handle a key or fob. The Keyless Access Remote has a unique digital identity that is automatically communicated to the car; the driver simply pulls one of the front door handles while the remote in his/her possession and the door unlocks and opens. When carrying the fob (or if all doors are unlocked), the trunk can be opened by pressing a button located on the TL Special Edition’s rear spoiler.

The system identifies which of the two supplied fobs is in use each time the driver’s door is opened (even if it is already unlocked), and then automatically sets the driver’s seat, outside mirrors, climate control and audio system (including audio system presets) to a profile preset by the driver using that fob.

Once the driver has opened the door and is seated, the Keyless Access System allows the TL to be started with a push of the Engine Start/Stop button positioned on the instrument panel. When leaving the car, a press of the soft-touch button on the outside of the door handle locks all doors. Alternatively, a press of the Lock button on the Keyless Access Remote will also simultaneously lock all doors. The Keyless Access System will not allow the transmitter fob to be locked in the interior or the trunk of the TL.

POWERTRAIN

The front-wheel drive TL Special Edition features an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V-6 with single overhead camshaft cylinder heads and 24 valves, with the intake valves actuated by Acura’s VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control®) system. This compact and efficient engine produces 280 horsepower and 254 lbs-ft of torque (SAE net). A Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission operated by a straight-gate style console-mounted shifter is standard. For more spirited driving, a racing-inspired steering wheel paddle shifter system is standard and works when the transmission is in “Drive” or “Sport.”

INTERIOR

The 2013 TL Special Edition’s interior exemplifies Acura’s driver-oriented sport-sedan thinking, matched with outstanding luxury. Sweeping shapes and high-quality materials blend a luxury aesthetic with a feeling of advanced technology. A 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat and an 8-way adjustable power front passenger’s seat are standard. A power moonroof, 276-watt audio system with eight speakers, and dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system with automatic humidity control are also standard. The 2013 TL Special Edition comes well-equipped with standard technology features including a Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface, USB port connectivity, and a high-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) on the center cluster.

SAFETY

Standard safety equipment on all Acura models includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, ABS, dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

The TL recently earned the top-level rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the IIHS’ new small overlap frontal barrier crash test. The new IIHS small overlap frontal barrier crash test is designed to simulate a collision between a vehicle traveling 40 miles per hour and a fixed object, such as a utility pole, where only 25-percent of the vehicle’s front structure is engaged by the opposing object. According to a 2009 study by the IIHS, such small overlap crashes accounted for nearly 25-percent of frontal crashes resulting in a serious injury or fatality.

The 2013 TL SE is produced using domestically and globally sourced parts at Honda of America Mfg., Inc., in Marysville , Ohio, recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates’ Silver Plant Quality Award in its 2012 Initial Quality Study.

TRIM	MSRP*	EPA Fuel Economy Rating**
TL	$35,905	20/29/23
TL Special Edition	$37,405	20/29/23
TL with Technology Package	$39,635	20/29/23
TL with Advance Package	$41,835	20/29/23
TL SH-AWD	$39,455	18/26/21
TL SH-AWD with Technology Package	$43,185	18/26/21
TL SH-AWD with Advance Package	$45,385	18/26/21
TL SH-AWD 6-Speed Manual with Technology Package	$43,185	17/25/20

About Acura

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the all-new RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the soon to be released all-new MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

Acura Accelerated Service is now available at Acura Columbus!

You asked for it, we listened! 

60 Minutes or Less

No appointment necessary.

As Acura technology advances so too, does our service. Now your vehicle can receive the expert care it requires in a time frame that fits your busy schedule.

For Your Acura*
Change oil and replace Genuine Acura filter
Remove & inspect in-cabin micro filter
Remove & inspect air filter
Test battery capacity
Comprehensive multi-point inspection
Complimentary wash & vacuum

For You
Service while you wait
Wireless Internet access
Quiet, comfortable client lounge, Activity center with iPads and child friendly big screen TV
Complimentary refreshments
Peace of Mind that your Acura is in the best hands

*For a complete list of service items, please ask any Service Consultant.

All services are performed in 60 minutes or less by Acura-Trained Technicians who use Genuine Acura Parts and Fluids.

Experience Acura Accelerated Service at:

Acura Columbus
4340 W Dublin Granville Rd
Dublin, OH 43017

Service Hours:
Mon – Fri 7:30 AM to 6 PM
Sat 8 AM to 2 PM
Call an Acura-Trained Service Advisor at
(614) 761-1222
http://www.acuracolumbus.com

Heat Safety Awareness Reminders

Please be safe and watch out for those around you. This is a reminder from our friends at OSHA but it applies to everyone not just emloyee/employers.

Heat-Related Illness: Symptoms and Prevention

During the summer months, employers should be especially aware of the dangers associated with working in high-temperature environments. Heat and humidity combined with physical exertion can do more than just make employees uncomfortable—it can lead to a variety of heat-related illnesses that can debilitate employees.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms. They can occur after vigorous exercise or intense physical activity in extreme temperatures. Abdominals, calf and thigh muscles and the biceps/triceps are most frequently affected. If cramping occurs it is suggested to rest and cool down by drinking water with a teaspoon of salt per quart. Affected individuals may also feel faint and should be taken to a cool place and manual pressure applied to the cramped muscle.

Heat Rash

Heat rash, or prickly heat, appears as fine red spots or small bumps, usually found where clothing is somewhat restrictive (i.e., on the neck and upper back, chest or arms). This harmless rash is triggered by hot, humid weather when one is dressed too warmly for conditions. The rash develops when skin is persistently wet with perspiration. The small inflamed spots on the skin can become infected. The condition usually disappears when the skin is cooled and dried.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a result of excessive heat and dehydration. It is generally caused by insufficient water intake, insufficient salt intake and a deficiency of the production of sweat, which evaporates on the skin to cool the body. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can have a sudden onset and include pale, clammy skin, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shallow breathing, rapid pulse and intense thirst. Syncope (fainting) is a milder form of heat exhaustion and is brought on by having to stand for long periods of time in a hot environment. It is caused by the pooling of blood in the heat-dilated vessels of the legs.

A victim of heat exhaustion, should be cooled as rapidly as possible by placing the individual flat or with feet slightly elevated in front of a fan or in a cool room. Administer cool liquids (not icy), and seek medical attention. More severely exhausted patients may need I.V. fluids—especially if vomiting prevents them from keeping liquids down. Heat exhaustion is more difficult to diagnose than heatstroke, but its prognosis is far better unless circulatory failure is prolonged.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is caused by overexposure to extreme heat and a breakdown of the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms. In the initial and most crucial stage of diagnosing heat stroke, a victim will exhibit an altered mental status, such as disorientation or confusion. This altered consciousness is the key to diagnosing heat stroke. All heat stroke victims will exhibit an altered mental state; this is not true for those suffering from heat exhaustion or extreme sunburn.

Victims of heat stroke often have hot, dry and flushed skin, a rapid heartbeat and abnormally high body temperature (i.e., a rectal temperature of 105.8°F). They may appear confused or lose consciousness entirely. If body temperature is too high, death can occur.

Heat stroke is an extreme medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Until medical assistance is available, the victim should be cooled rapidly by placing him/her in a shaded area, submersing them in a cool bath or wrapping them in wet sheets. Air movement around the individual should be increased to improve evaporative cooling.

Another cooling method is to spray the victim with lukewarm water and fan the individual with a towel. The water evaporating from the skin will help cool the victim quickly. During the cooling process, the victim must be continuously monitored to prevent shivering. Once a victim’s rectal temperature is reduced to 102.2°F, cooling methods should be stopped.

Even though it is important to replace fluids as soon as possible, liquids should NOT be administered to a victim in an altered mental state of heat stroke—there is a risk of these liquids being aspirated into the lungs. Medical professionals will give I.V. fluids to an individual suffering from heat stroke when they arrive at the scene.

Heat-Related Illness Prevention

Basic on-the-job heat-related illness prevention methods include the following:

Wear loose fitting clothing
Drink water often (don’t wait until you’re thirsty)
Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day (early morning or late afternoon)
Schedule routine maintenance and repair work in hot areas during the cooler seasons of the year
Provide additional breaks and comfortable break areas
Add additional personnel to reduce exposure time for each member of a crew
Permit workers the freedom to interrupt work when they feel extreme heat discomfort
OSHA’s Technical Manual discusses specific engineering and administrative control measures in great detail. It also outlines a variety of personal protective equipment that can be implemented to reduce the possibility of heat-related illnesses. This reference material is available from OSHA.

Understanding heat-related illness symptoms and prevention methods will help keep your employees safe and your workplace running smoothly during the summer months.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q. There seems to be conflicting opinions on the use of salt tablets. When, if ever, are they appropriate for employee use?
A. If the temperatures are extreme and the activity is intense, the use of a sport drink with sodium would be better than tablets. You need to have sodium because it helps the small intestine absorb water, getting it into the blood-stream faster. However, salt tablets are highly-concentrated doses of sodium that can interact with other medicines and health conditions and pose a health threat to employees if not administered by a health professional. Another reason to avoid tablets is that if the water lost through sweating is not replaced, salt can build up in your body and cause cramps. Too much sodium in your system can also cause fluid retention, which can cause your blood pressure to rise, predisposing you to such problems as swollen legs or arteriosclerosis. Generally, a fluid/electrolyte replacement sport drink is safer than tablets.
Q. Are sport drinks any better than water for employees working in high temperature environments?
A. The real key is to keep yourself fully hydrated. According to a 1999 release from the Mayo Health Foundation, unless you are engaging in extreme exercise, water is your best bet. Sport drinks are generally not necessary unless you are exerting yourself for 90 minutes or more (60 minutes if the activity is particularly intense or temperatures are extreme). During physical work or exercise, it is recommended to replenish your fluids every 20 minutes. Your body has limits in its ability to adjust to fluid loss, so don’t wait to be thirsty! Humans lose about 10 cups of fluid a day in sweat, urine, exhaled air and bowel movements. What is lost must be replaced to maintain balance. On the other hand, sport drinks really cant hurt. There is some research that shows individuals will drink more of a sport drink than water, and that alone will help you stay adequately hydrated. Sport drinks quickly replace fluids and electrolytes that are lost in sweat. They also provide energy to working muscles. During extreme physical exertion or in very hot conditions, sport drinks are superior to water. While water is a good thirst quencher, it is not an efficient rehydrator like a sport drink. This is because water can quench your thirst before you are completely rehydrated. Water also turns on the kidneys prematurely so you can lose fluid in the form of urine much more quickly than when drinking a sports drink. The small amount of sodium in most sports drinks aids your body to hold on to the fluid you consume rather than losing it through urine. The carbohydrates sports drinks contain make it more easily absorbed than water. One caution is to avoid the high-carbohydrate drinks, like soda, especially those in the 20% concentration range. fluid carbohydrate levels exceed 6 to 8% and are actually more difficult for the body to absorb.
Sources

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(Rev. 1/2012)

May’s Newsletter

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Hot off the virtual press, our latest newsletter.

2014 Acura MDX Prototype First Look

SHOW FLOOR UPDATE: The 2014 Acura MDX prototype doesn’t look much different from the current model, which isn’t a bad thing for people who appreciate the MDX’s conservative styling. The prototype is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6. Is a hybrid on the way? The Acura spokesman we chatted with said there are no plans yet, despite the brand’s addition of hybrids in the RLX and upcoming NSX.  Despite its age, the Acura MDX continues to be the luxury brand’s most valuable player, ruling the sales chart year after year. With so much riding on the seven-passenger SUV (especially with the Infiniti JX gunning for it) Acura must keep the MDX feeling fresh. The 2014 Acura MDX Prototype debuting at the 2013 Detroit auto show demonstrates how the automaker plans to keep the third-gen MDX as successful as the first two generations. While its shape is unmistakably MDX, the prototype has been given lower and wider proportions in the name of aerodynamic efficiency, which is up 16 percent compared to the outgoing MDX. Its arcing roofline has been lowered 1.5 inches and its wheelbase stretched. Jewel Eye headlights (first introduced on the RLX) and LED strips on the lower front fascia are new to the MDX, and the polarizing Acura grille has been softened up. But the real news for luxury crossover customers is that a front-drive MDX with the automaker’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive configuration will join the crossover. When the 2014 Acura MDX goes on sale in the middle of this year, we may see a slight price drop below the current MDX’s $44,175 starting price.  The 2014 MDX will house a new direct-injected, 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine that Acura promises will deliver more torque and efficiency, likely coupled with the same six-speed automatic in the outgoing car. Considering the 2013 MDX is EPA rated at 16/21 mpg city/highway, there’s definitely room for improvement. Along with the peppier engine, Acura says the MDX will be more rewarding to drive, thanks to an all-new chassis that’s more lightweight and rigid because of new front and rear suspension designs. What really piques our curiosity is the question of whether Acura will ever offer an MDX Hybrid using the 370-hp powertrain from the 2014 RLX.Although the MDX prototype keeps its doors closed, the luxury automaker claims the stretched wheelbase has allowed for a more capacious interior with increased second-row legroom (the current car has 38.7 inches) and improved third-row seat access. We’d be curious to see if Acura does anything similar to the JX’s easy-sliding second row, which can move forward even with a child seat installed.  With the 2014 Acura RLX getting two screens in its center stack, we’re guessing the 2014 MDX — now Acura’s flagship crossover with the ZDX discontinued — will also get the dual displays. Additional sound-deadening materials have also been added for passengers to better enjoy the available Acura/ELS premium audio system. The next-gen AcuraLink connectivity system will also find its way inside the new MDX, and will feature Pandora, Sirius XM, SMS text messaging, and Aha by Harman, which brings personalized news, information, and media feeds into the cabin through a smartphone. AcuraLink isn’t all about entertainment, though; it can issue automated crash notifications and remotely lock and unlock the vehicle. Packed with a host of safety features, the MDX sits atop the next-gen Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure, which helps the vehicle absorb more energy in the event of a crash. Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warnings will be available, and visibility shouldn’t be an issue, thanks to a multi-angle rearview camera and a blindspot information system. Production for the MDX will move from Alliston, Ontario, Canada, to the vehicle and V-6 plant in Lincoln, Alabama. Expect further details to be revealed closer to the 2014 MDX’s launch in mid-2013.

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Courtesy of http://www.motortrend.com 

2014 ACURA RLX DEBUTS IN PRODUCTION FORM

Here it is – the 2014 Acura RLX in full production form. The model made its debut at the 2012 LA Auto Show and will go on sale in the U.S. in the spring of 2013. The 2014 Acura RLX will be available in five grades – the well-equipped RLX, the RLX with Navigation, the feature-packed RLX with Technology package, the RLX with Krell Audio package, and the top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package.

The 2014 RLX uses an all-new direct-injection engine, lightweight body structure, and the first-ever application of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer – a system that the company says delivers a new and dynamic driving experience. The model also introduces the next-generation AcuraLink cloud-based connected car system.

 

“The 2014 Acura RLX heralds the introduction of a number of new signature Acura technologies that provide the driver a feeling of connection to the product, to the road, and to the world from the very moment they enter the vehicle,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura Sales. “The RLX embodies the Acura commitment to create vehicles with outstanding handling that truly respond to the will of the driver.”

 

Power for the 2014 Acura RLX comes from a 3.5 liter direct-injected V6 making 310-hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a reengineered Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2014 RLX gets an EPA estimated 20/31/24 mpg (city/highway/combined).

 

Acura will also introduce another version of the RLX in late 2013 featuring the company’s new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) system, producing 370 horsepower. The model is expected to get 30 mpg across the board.

 

Courtesy of egmcartech.com   

Acura ILX Endurance Racer to Debut at 25 Hours of Thunderhill

  

Developed and prepared by Team Honda Research- West, a competition version of the new 2013 Acura ILX will be unveiled this week at the 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, prior to making its competition debut at next month’s 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race.

A pair of E1 class Acura ILX sedans, prepared to NASA U.S. Touring Car specs, will be entered for the traditional 25-hour endurance race that annually concludes the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) season at the challenging three-mile Thunderhill road course north of Sacramento, California.

Team Honda Research-West (THR-W) is primarily made up of Torrance, California-based associates from Honda R&D Americas, Inc., who work after-hours to showcase Honda and Acura products on the track. The team received a pair of new Acura ILX “body in white” bare chassis earlier this year from Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC, the exclusive global production source for the model. Additionally, a pair of “donor” cars from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was used to provide suspension, powertrain, interior and electronic components.

Once the chassis and donor cars were delivered to the THR-W workshop, an extensive build program commenced that included the use of as many OEM components as possible, to retain serviceability and test outright durability of Acura’s newest sedan. In preparing the cars for the grueling Thunderhill event, THR-W members focused their efforts less on performance modifications and more on reducing vehicle weight, to achieve the performance targets set by the team.

Safety equipment required by NASA included a full roll cage (designed by THR-W and built by Solo Motorsports); Bride Gardis III race seat; OMP competition steering wheel; Schroth safety harness; Brockway Engineering D Gauge digital OBD2 gauge; and Braille lightweight battery. Changes to the exterior included a Baja Designs LED lighting system for long winter night-running, a THR-W-designed front splitter and an APR GTC-200 rear spoiler.

Red Line oil lubricates the K24Z7 engine and 6-speed transmission. Cold air enters the engine through an AEM intake, while DEI heat rejection products help keep the heat under control from exhaust gases flowing through the custom-built AEM/120 Racing exhaust. H&R suspension and Enkei RPF1 wheels fitted with BF Goodrich R1 race tires complete the Acura ILX competition package.

Honda Performance Development (HPD), responsible for Honda racing programs ranging from entry-level categories to the IZOD IndyCar Series and World Endurance Championship, also contributed several racing-specific components to the ILX project. These included an HPD-lightened flywheel and racing clutch package, limited-slip differential, motor mounts, anti-roll bars and rear upper suspension control arms. All of these parts are available to racers through the HPD Honda Racing Line program.

The THR-W build team for the ILX includes a number of engineers and researchers from Honda R&D Americas (HRA). The team is headed by Project Leader Calvin Liu, a Design Engineer in the Surface Development Department. John Whiteman, Manager of the Advanced Product Planning Department, is responsible for race strategy and sponsorship. David Kirsch, Senior Engineer in the Information Technical Research Department, serves as Crew Chief and is responsible for the electrical system. Roy Richards, a coordinator in the Energy and Environmental Research Group, is responsible for budget and procurement of components for the team.

Once the initial build was complete, a testing program that included a pair of shakedown runs at Buttonwillow Raceway in southern California, followed by a more extensive run at Willow Springs International Raceway, was implemented to complete final preparations for Thunderhill.

The driving team for Thunderhill is headed by Matt Staal, Senior Planner, Advanced Product Planning, for HRA. Other members of the driver lineup include Project Leader Calvin Liu; Derek Ferretti, a Senior Modeler in the Styling Division at HRA; Sage Marie, Senior Manager of Public Relations at American Honda; Lee Niffenegger, a former SCCA National Champion and Senior Engineer in Business Development at HPD; Lawrence Hwang, Senior Stylist at HRA; Scott Nichol from Honda of Canada Manufacturing; Chad Gilsinger, a former SCCA National Champion and Senior Engineer at HRA in Ohio: and Brian Shanfeld, a former NASA National Champion, also from HRA in Ohio.

Founded in 1996, THR-W has a long record of success racing Honda products in both Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and NASA competition, with more than 50 race victories in a variety of classes. THR-W first raced at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill in 2004 with an Acura Integra, and just a year later joined its sister THR team from Ohio in taking a pair of 2006 Honda Civic Si’s to the E1 class 1-2 sweep, including a fourth-place finish overall. In 2006, THR-W took another podium finish in a Honda Civic Si and in 2010 debuted a Honda Fit in the new B-Spec category with a fantastic fourth-place E3 class finish.

For more information on the THR-W Thunderhill ILX project, go to http://blog.hpd.honda.com/.

COURTESY OF ACURACONNECTED.COM

 

 

Acura Columbus is Having a Food Drive!

From now until November 19th, Acura Columbus will be collecting canned or dry food items to help local families in need throughout the Thanksgiving Holiday. All of the food collected will be donated to the Dublin Food Pantry. Which currently is serving approximately 250 families in the Dublin School District each month. This is approximately 800 individuals each month or food for about 12,000 meals each month.

Your donations will benefit children and families who are under-employed, unemployed, on disability or having health problems, have been abandoned by a parent or spouse, or are in a crisis situation and are not yet signed-up for food stamps or other assistance. The Dublin Food Pantry is now also serving young people who can not find a job, middle age people who have lost a job and can not get back in the work force because of their age or lack of skills, and older people whose money is running out.

The number of community members served by the Dublin Food Pantry have increased every month over last year. They are now gaining from 30 – 50 NEW families each month! So your donations are needed and will make a difference for many families!

To boost our number of donations this year, check out the incentives that Acura Columbus is offering for your contributions!

More Spy Photos Emerge for the New 2014 Acura MDX!

The extensive overhauling of Acura’s North American lineup will continue with the next generation of the MDX three-row crossover, which was spied here in prototype form with less intrusive camouflage than before.

Instead of the previous prototype’s heavy cladding, this test car was covered in a white skin wrap with some funky black schemes affording us a better view of the new MDX’s exterior redesign.

From what we can tell, the body will have softer lines while the styling of the front end of the new MDX appears to be less prominent, but will continue to use Acura’s polarizing signature “beak”. Overall, it looks like Acura has chosen to evolve rather than revolutionize the current model’s design.

The profile pictures suggest that the new MDX will grow in size, not so much in terms of the wheelbase length but the rear overhang that looks longer than the current version, which has been in production since 2006 receiving a mild refresh at the end of 2009.

Acura isn’t saying much about the next MDX’s powertrain, but it is likely to be offered with the brand’s updated V6 delivering 310hp and quite possibly, a hybrid variant using the upcoming RLX sedan’s setup that connects a 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V6 to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and three electric motors.

Look for the new MDX to hit the market in late 2013 badged as a 2014 model.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE SPY PHOTOS!

Thanks to Carscoop.com

A Final Refresh for the 2013 Acura ZDX Crossover

The innovative and stylish Acura ZDX crossover vehicle, introduced in 2009, will receive numerous styling and technology enhancements for the 2013 model year, which will be the final year on the market for ZDX as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products, the company announced today.

The 2013 ZDX will receive several new features, including a redesigned front grille, front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors and safety features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The 2013 Acura ZDX will go on sale October 19, 2012, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $50,920*.

“People shopping for a luxury crossover vehicle will find the Acura ZDX an even more attractive product,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of the Acura Division. “Moving forward, we will continue to advance the Acura lineup with a focus on new core models, like the recently redesigned RDX and the upcoming all-new RLX flagship sedan, that provide the ideal balance of performance and fuel efficiency that is right for each product and a driving experience that is dynamic and emotional.”

The ZDX is built in the same Alliston, Ontario plant as the Acura MDX, which shares the platform with ZDX. As a result, ZDX production will be discontinued in conjunction with the transfer of the popular MDX to the company’s Lincoln, Alabama plant in early 2013 (as previously announced).

For 2013, the Acura ZDX will be sold as a single, valued-added package offering clients greater value on a luxury scale. Robust features now standard on the 2013 ZDX include the 435-watt Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker audio system with 15 GB hard disk drive (HDD) memory, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, 8-inch high-resolution VGA display, multi-view rear view camera, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface, ventilated and heated front seats with perforated premium Milano leather seating surfaces, Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition) and dual-zone automatic climate control system.

The ZDX will receive several new exterior features for 2013, such as a redesigned front grille, front and rear bumpers with integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors and a dark accent on the wheels for a sportier finish. The interior receives a new trim finish on the center console and a high contrast interior option.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are two new safety features for the 2013 ZDX. The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system can detect vehicles ahead of the ZDX. If the FCW system determines that a collision is possible with a detected vehicle, it provides the driver with visual and audio alerts to encourage avoidance actions. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) uses a camera mounted between the windshield and the rear-view mirror to detect lane lines on the road. If the driver begins to drift out of a detected lane without using the turn indicator, the system will provide the driver with visual and audible alerts.

The 2013 ZDX is equipped with an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 engine that develops 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Performance is further enhanced by the ZDX’s Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission that is designed to satisfy the most discerning enthusiast drivers. The 2013 ZDX EPA city/highway/combined fuel mileage is rated at 16/23/19 mpg**.

For customers seeking a great balance of utility and performance Acura will continue to offer vehicles in the luxury crossover space with the 5-passenger RDX and the TSX Sport Wagon. Acura also will continue to provide ZDX customers with a high-level of service and parts support throughout the life of their vehicles.

Thanks to AutoSpies.com